12/29/15

Liminted Time Sale, A Curse Unbroken for $.99, This Week Only!


                Fire up your eReaders! To celebrate the upcoming release of OF FLAME AND PROMISE (A Weird Girls Novel) January 12th, Random House is offering A CURSE UNBROKEN, the 5th full-length novel in the Weird Girls series for 99 cents (this week only!).

Penguin Random House buy link: http://bit.ly/1NQQDOL

 


A CURSE UNBROKEN (Weird Girls #5)
Fans of Keri Arthur will love the Weird Girls, four sisters cursed with supernatural powers. In Cecy Robson’s latest urban fantasy romance, the search is on for an unholy grail, while evil is licking its wounds—and looking for revenge.
The preternatural world is changing. After a massive magical throwdown tore apart the established order, the dark elements are rebuilding their ranks unopposed. Celia Wird’s world is changing, too. She’s the mate of the pureblood were Aric, and his Warriors are honor-bound to protect her family as she and her sisters recover from unimaginable horrors.
Celia hesitates to reveal the true extent of the Wird sisters’ trauma, but they aren’t the only ones keeping secrets: Aric and the werewolf Elders are tracking a stone that grants limitless power. So is a tough coven of witches. Then Misha, a master vampire with his own plans for the stone, sends Celia after it. Can she and the vamps beat both the weres and the witches to the treasure before it falls into the wrong hands?
Fearing for Celia’s safety, Aric begs her to stay out of the hunt. What they don’t realize is that they’re the ones being hunted. But Celia’s ready to prove that she’s not easy prey.


                The Weird Girls series is one of my favorite adult series, and I was so happy to hear about Random House offering A Curse Unbroken, the fifth novel in the Weird Girls series, for only 99 cents! This series is full of adventure, romance, mystery, badass women, awesome fight scenes, and so much more. You can read my review of A Curse Unbroken here: http://thehopelessreader.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-curse-unbroken-weird-girls-5-by-cecy.html , but be sure to get the other books in the series too!

Here are some other buy links for A Curse Unbroken!
Barnes & Noble:  http://bit.ly/1OdyDbA
BooksA Million:  http://bit.ly/1jJNlir
Google Play Store:  http://bit.ly/1Tvw6xw

                Now, since this limited time sale is going on in celebration of Cecy's upcoming release of the sixth book in the Weird Girls series, Of Flame and Promise, Taran, Celia's sister's story, it wouldn't be right not to include the synopsis and preorder links for that book too!

 


OF FLAME AND PROMISE (Weird Girls #6)
Perfect for fans of Keri Arthur and Bella Forrest, this short novel kicks off a sizzling new series in the award-winning Weird Girls saga as Celia’s sister Taran fights to have it all: independence, hot romance, and enough firepower to torch an army of blood-thirsty supernaturals.
“One of my favorite books series.”—Jessie Potts, USA Today
Cursed by a spell meant to destroy them, Taran Wird and her sisters instead developed unique magical talents. With the power of fire and lightning literally at her fingertips, Taran doesn’t fear much. Demons, vamps, whatever—bring ’em on! Only one thing terrifies her: commitment.
Taran is crazy about her boyfriend, Gemini, a sexy were with the incredible ability to split into two separate wolves. But after watching her sister go through heartbreak with the pack’s Alpha, Taran knows not to count on happily ever after—despite Gemini’s desire to claim her as his mate. Reluctantly, she agrees to meet his very traditional and conservative parents. Taran’s a badass with a mouth to match, and Gemini loves her for it. She’s just not positive these attributes will please Mom and Dad.
Unsurprisingly, every attempt by Taran to bond with Gemini’s folks proves disastrous. But in the end, Taran finds that winning them over means unleashing her powers . . . and proving that this foul-mouthed fire-starter is a force to be reckoned with.
 
     I am so excited to read this book you have no idea, be sure to keep a look out for my review soon! I am sure I will be raving about it. 

Penguin Random House preorder link: http://bit.ly/1MUkMX8

Pre-order links:
Google Play:  http://bit.ly/1GGVDm3

Giveaway!

      Not only is a sale going on, Cecy is hosting a Rafflecopter giveaway , which runs from 12/27 to 1/4 , where you can win all kinds of goodies featured in the picture below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:
CECY ROBSON is the New Adult and Contemporary author of the Shattered Past series, the O’Brien Family novels, and the award winning author of the Weird Girls Urban Fantasy Romance series. A self-proclaimed professional napper, Cecy counts among her talents a jaw-dropping knowledge of useless trivia, the ability to make her hair big, and a knack for breaking into song, despite her family’s vehement protests. A full-time writer, registered nurse, wife, and mother living in the South, Cecy enjoys spending time with her family and silencing the yappy characters in her head by telling their stories.


Social Media Links:
cecyrobson.com

 

12/28/15

A Raven's Touch By Linda Bloodworth Release Day Launch!

ARTReleaseBanner  
 
Today I am happy to be helping author Linda Bloodworth spread the word about her new YA Paranormal book release, A Raven's Touch. So, without further ado read on below for more info on the book, and don't forget to stop by the release party for a chance to win a lot of cool prizes!  


A Raven's Touch cover
 
 
Bullied through high school, seventeen-year-old Justice St. Michaels is grateful for the help of her best friend Moira O’Fhey. Their only wish is to graduate high school, leave the sleepy town of Fallingbrook and all that happened behind them. The Heavens have other plans. Between growths on her back and being involved in explosive school fights, nothing seems to make sense. When an unexpected encounter with Darien Raventhorn causes worlds to collide it exposes the truth about Justice's real identity.
To avenge a family death, Justice must embrace her birthright, and slay a demon before all Hell breaks loose.
 
 
 
 
ARTTeaser1

 

A Raven's Touch sounds like an adventure, right? Check out the second teaser and see how empowering A Raven's Touch sounds!

 
 
I cannot wait to read this book because I have a feeling that it will make me feel like I can take on the world. I am ready for another adventure!
 
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, there is a release party for A Raven's Touch happening on Facebook where a ton of bloggers and amazing authors will be celebrating the books release! You will also have the chance to win some cool stuff! So stop by and join the fun!
 
Don't forget to purchase A Raven's Touch on Amazon! I have a feeling that this is a book you won't want to miss.
 
 


About the Author:

Linda Bloodworth loves chips, like really, ketchup to be exact. Ketchup chips are only found in Canada. Lucky for Linda she lives in Toronto with her husband and three fur babies. In between writing, debating for hours about the Oxford comma, and the misunderstood semi colon; Linda enjoys camping and getting away from the city on day trips.
Want to stay in touch? Visit Linda on her website here, or Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!
 

12/20/15

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo Review!


 
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.
Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy
 

The Plot and Writing
                I loved how Shadow and Bone started out. I first got a look into Alina and Mal's childhood, which I think was important because it showed how close they were when they were young. Then I was thrown into the story and right off the bat, I was confronted with action. I got to see how much Alina cared for Mal, and how her love for him brought out this unique and rare power of hers. Some might say that the pacing of this book was a little fast paced, but I actually loved how action oriented and plot driven the story was. The story's pacing coincides with how hectic Alina's life became in such a short time, and I really liked how everything flowed.
                On top of the constant action, I really loved the sudden twists that appeared in the story. There were only a few twists that occurred, but they were big enough to shock the hell out of me. They left me staring at the book like an idiot thinking "say what now?”. Those twists and surprises pushed me to read as fast as I could to try and figure out what Alina would do and how she would handle the revelations.
                What really captivated me about this book, in addition to other things, was the writing. I loved the lyrical descriptions of the scenery and people. It really helped me place myself inside the story and made it all come alive inside my head. The writing style is amazing, and it really pulled me into the story.

The Characters
                The characters in Shadow and Bone were also amazing. They were full of surprises, and they were so dynamic. Of course, my favorite of all the characters was Alina. I loved how unorthodox she was. She wasn’t like most heroines that I see too much of where she was extremely beautiful,  perfect at everything, not shy at all around the men she liked, and who always seemed to have her stuff together. Alina was the opposite of the heroines I usually see in books. She was slow to learn how to use her powers, which made me surprisingly happy because she wasn't automatically an awesome wielder of power. It took time for her to learn how to use her power, and I really liked that. In addition to that, she had a hard time learning to fight properly, she was scrawny with dark circles under her eyes and always tired, and even though she usually wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, she became a mess around the Darkling, which was adorable. Most people wouldn't like these traits, but I actually really love them. Bardugo wrote Alina in such a way that she was lovable and relatable even in a fantasy setting. I love how real Alina was in terms of her often disheveled appearance and inability to immediately be perfect at everything. These so called 'flaws', which really aren't flaws to me, made me love her character even more.
                Then we had the Darkling. I have to admit that I thought I would love the Darkling as soon as he was introduced. I am such a sucker for the dark and mysterious types that I was a goner from the start, but I knew he was too good to be true. Bardugo really played with my emotions by creating the Darkling. At first, he was amazing, and I was ready to claim him as my book boyfriend, but then he really showed his true colors....but even then I still felt like he was a good person. The Darkling was such a confusing and enchanting character that I had to applaud Bardugo for creating him.  By the end of the book, I was extremely confused about the Darkling and what he was really like, that confusion about him drove me to immediately go out and buy the next book.
                I have to say that the hint of romance that could’ve happened between Alina and the Darkling really pushed me to continue the story. I loved the dark, mysterious, and supposedly evil characteristics of the Darkling, and mixed with Alina's flustered yet strong willed nature, they seemed like an explosive pairing that I was totally rooting for.
                Then we have Mal, who I didn't really like in the beginning because I felt like he was too oblivious to Alina and a little too cocky for my liking, but by the end of the book, my view had completely changed. By the end of the book, I was in love with Mal, and now I'm just confused. The Darkling was the epitome of my favorite book boyfriend in the beginning of the book, but then Mal realized what was right in front of him all this time aka Alina, and NOW IM CONFLICTED.

The Wrap Up
                However, this wonderful book isn't just about romance although I would still be extremely happy if it was. It's also focused on strong character development and a great story that will make you feel like you can do anything you set your mind to. In the story, Alina took control of her power and learned that she was the only one who could wield it. She became this strong character who was determined to save her world. Whereas before, she didn't think she amounted to anything. She grew to be confident in herself way before she learned how to wield her power, and I liked that about the story and her.
                This review was surprisingly hard for me to write because there was so much I wanted to say, but once I started writing it down, my mind would jump to something else I wanted to say, which is why this review seems all over the place to me. That just goes to show you how flustered this book made me. If you take anything away from this review let it be that I loved this book and its characters, and I cannot wait to read the next book! I might have a new favorite series on my hands. I give Shadow and Bone five out of five stars!

12/11/15

A Raven's Touch by Linda Bloodworth Cover Reveal!

    Today we get to see the cover of A Raven's Touch, by Linda Bloodworth! I have been excited to see the cover of A Raven's Touch ever since Linda told me about it on Twitter! Before I show you the cover, how about I give you the synopsis of the book that instantly grabbed my attention?

***
Bullied through high school, seventeen-year-old Justice St. Michaels is grateful for the help of her best friend Moira O’Fhey. Their only wish is to graduate high school, leave the sleepy town of Fallingbrook and all that happened behind them. The Heavens have other plans. Between growths on her back and being involved in explosive school fights, nothing seems to make sense. When an unexpected encounter with Darien Raventhorn causes worlds to collide it exposes the truth about who Justice's real identity. To avenge a family death, Justice must embrace her birthright, and slay the demon before all Hell breaks loose.
***
What can you expect in A Raven's Touch?
Adventure, friendship, and bit of romance mixed into a very different kind of paranormal story. It's not the formulaic story where there's one type of paranormal hero. Be prepared for Half Angels, Witches, Elves, demons, and a dragon for good measure.

    I don't know about you, but I am extremely excited about this book! The main character seems like someone I can really relate too, and it sounds like its just full of what I love in my books. It even has a dragon in it. A DARGON. You all should know by now that anything with a dragon in it instantly has my attention. I've also never heard of a book having so many paranormal species featured in it, which has me really excited about it! Now, how about we see that cover?!

Ready?

5....



4....



3....



2....



1....

Here we go!

A Raven's Touch by Linda Bloodworth



What do you think? I love how simple yet unique the cover is! Now that you've read the synopsis and seen the cover, how about I tease you with a little sample of what you will see in A Raven's Touch?

***
           Moira squeezes my arm. 
“We need to get up. Come on. We aren’t going to be sitting ducks. He looks like he wants to start trouble.”  
My heart starts beating faster and I stand up. Moira has already packed her bag, and she pushes mine into my hands. With her hand on the small of my back, she urges me along.  
“It’s a public place, Moira, he won’t hurt us here. He’s all talk, right?”
She looks me in the eyes. 
 
“Don’t underestimate crazy.”  
We hear a low wolf howl that causes a ripple of fear to flow through me. I stop momentarily. No way is that for us, surely not.
***
Ooooooh, mysterious! I am ready to get my hands on this book! If you are as ready as I am then you should pre-order A Raven's Touch on Amazon now!

Add A Raven's Touch to your TBR pile. Get your Pre-Order on Amazon! 

If you miss the pre-order, don't worry, the official release day is December 28, 2015. 

Who is Linda Bloodworth?
Linda Bloodworth loves chips, like really, ketchup to be exact. Ketchup chips are only found in Canada. Lucky for Linda she lives in Toronto with her husband and three fur babies. In between writing, debating for hours about the Oxford comma, and the misunderstood semi colon; Linda enjoys camping and getting away from the city on day trips.

Connect with Linda: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Blog | Email Linda

12/7/15

Broken Wings (Hidden Wings #2) by Cameo Renae Review!


Emma’s world is falling apart, and Kade, the only one who seems to hold her together, is missing. With death lingering right outside their door, decisions must be made before it’s too late.
The Midway has refused to send help, so they are left to seek out the only other who can stop Lucian.
A perilous quest sends Emma and a few Guardians into the Underworld, where the unimaginable abide, to beseech the Prince of Darkness himself. Lucifer.
Now, they must endure the deadly levels of Hell, which not one …mortal or immortal… has ever survived.
Prepare for love, loss, and the unexpected. 

I am so glad that I started this series. I loved the first book in the series, Hidden Wings, which you can read my review of here, and I was so happy to get my hands on Broken Wings. This book picks up right where Hidden Wings ended and it hit the ground running. This book was one action packed adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat. Kade does something that I NEVER saw coming and it changed everything. However, that was just the beginning of the shocking discoveries and adventures. Emma and Kade had to travel through Hell to beg Lucifer of all people for help to defeat Lucien, and it was a wild journey. Emma was forced to battle snakes, killer monsters, and hell hounds, and she was badass. She finally started to accept that she was a Nephilim and that she was special, which really made me happy.
The action in this book really had me biting my nails and begging for everyone to be safe. The way Renae writes her action scenes is so captivating that you feel like you are there with the characters. So not only did I love Emma and Kade's relationship, I also loved the action in this book. Speaking of Emma and Kade, we got to see a little progress in their relationship, but something or someone I should say appeared and shot everything to Hell. Pun intended. This mysterious boy was one that will definitely cause trouble. Now, we have the forming of a love triangle, and I can already tell that the next book will be filled with jealousy and mixed emotions. I seriously cannot wait. I'm such a sucker for love triangles, and since I love this series, it makes it so much better. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing what chaos will ensue next that is for sure!
I HIGHLY recommend this series to lovers of the Sweet Evil trilogy by Wendy Higgins and the Dark Elements trilogy by Jennifer L. Armentrout because this book has a similar atmosphere to those series and they are all filled with great characters, drool worthy love interests, and action that will have you excited for me and scared for your favorite characters. I give Broken Wings five out of five stars!

 

11/28/15

Black Widow: Forever Red by Margaret Stohl Review!




Natasha Romanoff is one of the world's most lethal assassins. Trained from a young age in the arts of death and deception, Natasha was given the title of Black Widow by Ivan Somodorov, her brutal teacher at the Red Room, Moscow's infamous academy for operatives.
Ava Orlova is just trying to fit in as an average Brooklyn teenager, but her life has been anything but average. The daughter of a missing Russian quantum physicist, Ava was once subjected to a series of ruthless military experiments-until she was rescued by Black Widow and placed under S.H.I.E.L.D. protection. Ava has always longed to reconnect with her mysterious savior, but Black Widow isn't really the big sister type.
Until now.
When children all over Eastern Europe begin to go missing, and rumors of smuggled Red Room tech light up the dark net, Natasha suspects her old teacher has returned-and that Ava Orlova might be the only one who can stop him. To defeat the madman who threatens their future, Natasha and Ava must unravel their pasts. Only then will they discover the truth about the dark-eyed boy with an hourglass tattoo who haunts Ava's dreams. . . .
Black Widow: Forever Red features all the heart-pounding adventure readers expect from Marvel, written by #1 New York Times best-selling author Margaret Stohl. Uncover a new side of the Marvel Universe that will thrill loyal fans and newcomers alike, as Stohl reveals the untold story of Black Widow for the very first time.


                Before I even start this review, I have to give Stohl a virtual bear hug for writing this book because Black Widow has to be one of my favorite comic book/fictional character ever. So of course I was going to pick up Black Widow: Forever Red simply because it had Natasha in it. I was so glad I picked this book up too not only because it featured Natasha herself, but also two other characters who I quickly began to like.
                Black Widow: Forever Red was told from 3 changing POVs: Ava, Alex, and Natasha’s. Now, had I known that fact before buying the book, I might have been a little apprehensive about it because as some of you may know, multiple POVs is a huge turn off for me. However, I loved the way Stohl wrote all three POVs. There was no pattern to the change in POVs so it was always fun to start a new chapter and see whose view it was told from. Personally, I loved Ava's POV because she was an amazing character filled with a lot of emotion. She was the kind of character that you instantly gravitated towards because her story was so sad that you couldn't help but get attached. Ava was also a really strong character mentally. She could have been in the middle of a war zone and not run away screaming like I would have. I really admired that about her, and the fact that she had a free and loving side of her that showed up less often than the stoic side.
                Alex was also a really interesting character. I immediately got the sense that he was special somehow and it created a mysterious atmosphere about him that I wanted to uncover. He was a huge goofball sometimes, but also a scary fighter when he had to be. I loved reading about him interacting with the other characters in the book because he always seemed to make everyone love him. I know I did.
                Then we have the special characters (AKA the other Avengers) who everyone is wondering whether they show up in the book and the answer is yes. Some of our favorite characters associated with Black Widow made an appearance, and I loved it. It was also hilarious seeing Alex, who happened to be a superhero/Avenger fan react to meeting said characters. They were true to their original comic book characters as far as I am concerned, and it basically felt like I was reading another really long comic book. I would tell you who made an appearance, but that would totally ruin the surprise. However, I can talk about the plot!
                The plot of Black Widow was a really complex and interesting one. Some may say that the pacing in the beginning was a little slow, but I liked that about this book. First, we got to know a little about the characters, which was really important, then we got to the action. This book was full of action, mystery, and twists that will have you holding this book to your chest with your mouth dropped open in shock. I only know this because it happened to me. I was NOT prepared for the surprises and twists that this book had in store for me. I honestly did not see them coming, and I loved every minute of it because it had my attention focused solely on the book. The twists and mysteries aren't the only thing that had me hooked, the action had me on the edge of my seat too. I knew this book would be full of badass fighting scenes and awesome moves worthy of the Black Widow, but I wasn't prepared when Ava and Alex started acting like super spies too. Reading Ava's fighting scenes was exhilarating and fun. I loved reading about her fighting like Black Widow. Then I got to the part of the book that crushed my heart and left me in tears. Literally. That twist was one I did not see coming and it hit me like the Hulk. I wanted to cry and rant about it here, but I can't spoil it. Just know that the ending will leave you either hopeful that that certain event didn't happen or broken because you realize that event did happen and there is no going back. I'm in the latter category, and my eyes are leaking. THIS BOOK WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO MAKE ME CRY, AND I LOVE AND HATE IT FOR THAT, Damn it. *walks off crying hysterically*
                You guys really need to read this book because it will satisfy every part of you and leave you wanting, no, needing more. I cannot tell you how much I love this book. Ava, Alex, and Natasha were amazing and so was the plot. Those of you who love anything Marvel related, superhero related, or fans of mystery, action, and twists will adore this book. Black Widow: Forever Red has earned its rightful place on my favorites shelf. I give it five out of five stars!
 
I also had the pleasure of meeting Margaret Stohl at YALLFest 2016 in Charleston, SC and she was so awesome! It made my day meeting her.
 

11/23/15

Royal Marriage Market by Heather Lyons Cover Reveal!


 


            I am so excited to reveal the cover of Heather Lyons’ newest contemporary romance novel today! I jumped up and down when I saw that one of my favorite authors of all time was releasing not only a contemporary romance but one about royalty too! Now that I have seen the cover, I am immediately ordering when it releases on December 15th! I absolutely LOVE this cover. It looks elegant, eye-catching, and gorgeous all around. Daniela Conde Padron did an amazing job on it!

            Now check out what Royal Marriage Market is all about!

 
About ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET

Every decade, the world’s monarchs and their heirs secretly convene to discuss global politics and social issues—and arrange marriages between kingdoms.

Elsa may be the Hereditary Princess of Vattenguldia, but she finds the entire situation archaic and unsavory. While she wants what's best for her country, she isn't about to jump into an unwanted relationship—let alone a marriage—with a virtual stranger. Of course, her feelings matter little to her parents, whose wheeling and dealings over trade pacts and alliances achieved at her expense begin the moment they set foot in California for the Summit. So when a blindingly handsome royal runs into her, she doesn't hesitate to tell him there's no way she's marrying him.

Christian is all too happy to agree: no marriage. As the Hereditary Grand Duke of Aiboland, his main goal is to get through the summit without a bride being foisted on him. Which is why he suggests they help each other field potential intendeds. As Christian slowly gets to know Elsa, though, he realizes they have a lot more in common than just their feelings about the Royal Marriage Market. Only he can't fall for her, because royal or not, they're not meant for each other.

Elsa and Christian will have to evaluate matters of the heart verses those of state and crown, and decide whether or not tradition trumps love. 

            I cannot tell you how excited I am to read this. Christian and Elsa’s story seem to be one that will be explosive and entertaining all around, and I am so excited to experience it! This seems like a book that is right up my alley!
            Check out an excerpt from the Royal Marriage Market below and see if you might like it too! I can already tell from the excerpt that I will highly enjoy this book.

Excerpt:

“You go by Chris?”

             “It’s an acceptable nickname for Christian.” The owner of the name snatches his glass of champagne back, chugging the rest of the drink. Naturally, this promptly sets off another round of coughing.

            Parker is now the one to smack Christian’s back, and I am grateful because I most certainly do not need to be touching him again, even if in a life-saving gesture.

“Maybe so,” I murmur as Christian, rapidly turning redder from what surely must be embarrassment more than alcohol down the wrong pipe, shoves his friend’s hand away. “But it doesn’t fit.”

“If I might be so bold to ask, Your Highness, how so?” Parker inquires at the same time Christian wheezes, “What does that mean?”

            I side skirt the men to claim a chocolate covered strawberry from the dessert table. “Chris is a boring name.”

            “I believe you’ve just issued an unforgiveable insult to all the Chrises in the world,” Christian says flatly while Parker struggles to hold in his mirth.

            “Of course I haven’t. I simply said Chris is a boring name. Look at Elsa; it is a hopelessly old-fashioned name you find in old women who bake streusel. My parents aged me the moment I came out of the womb.” I point the zebra-striped berry at my sparring partner. “Now that is unforgiveable. You were given a nice name and have elected to make it boring when it doesn’t suit you one bit.”

            Too much silence expands between us; I am tricked into looking up at him once more. One of his dark eyebrows arches upward. “Are you saying you don’t find me boring?”

            Did I? Oh, bollocks. I did, didn’t I? I clear my throat and smile winsomely. “Just because I don’t wish to marry you doesn’t mean I find you boring as a bag of rocks.”

            Both of his eyebrows shoot up, as if I informed him grass is blue and sky is green. As if he doesn’t already know he’s interesting. Please. Must I remind him of all the glossies dedicated to his comings and goings?

“When we were children, His Highness was teased quite a bit about his name,” Parker tells me.

            I toss the strawberry stem back onto the table; it’s whisked up by a passing waiter in less than a second. “What! Why?”

            “I’m named after a religion,” Christian grinds out. “There was Prince Jew. Prince Muslim. Prince Buddhist. Prince Hindu. Prince Zoroastrian. There were lots of choices, you see.”

            Another moment I want nothing more than to just laugh and laugh. “How delightful. Now, those nicknames aren’t boring. Sacrilegious, yes, but definitely not boring.”

            “You have a seed in your front teeth,” is Christian’s response.

            “You are a veritable Prince Charming, publically pointing out women’s flaws. How chivalrous of you.”

It is annoying how much I like that he refuses to appear properly chastised.
 

It was great, wasn’t it?!
You can preorder the book now, which I highly recommend you do! It can be an early Christmas present to yourself!

Pre-order links:
                        Amazon               iBooks               kobo

About Heather Lyons:

Heather Lyons writes epic, heartfelt love stories and has always had a thing for words. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.

Check out Heather’s social media links! She is such a nice and cool person to follow.

Links:


 

11/16/15

Joyride by Anna Banks Review!


A popular guy and a shy girl with a secret become unlikely accomplices for midnight pranking, and are soon in over their heads—with the law and with each other—in this sparkling standalone from NYT-bestselling author Anna Banks.
It’s been years since Carly Vega’s parents were deported. She lives with her brother, studies hard, and works at a convenience store to contribute to getting her parents back from Mexico.
Arden Moss used to be the star quarterback at school. He dated popular blondes and had fun with his older sister, Amber. But now Amber’s dead, and Arden blames his father, the town sheriff who wouldn’t acknowledge Amber's mental illness. Arden refuses to fulfill whatever his conservative father expects.
All Carly wants is to stay under the radar and do what her family expects. All Arden wants is to NOT do what his family expects. When their paths cross, they each realize they’ve been living according to others. Carly and Arden’s journey toward their true hearts—and one another—is funny, romantic, and sometimes harsh.

     The beginning of Joyride really pulled me in. We obviously get to know a little about the characters before we see where the plot is going, and these characters are strong and interesting enough to pull you into the story. Carly was so awesome. Right from the beginning, I was fascinated by her and rooting for her. She seemed shy and reserved but she was a spitfire behind all that! She was also a hardworking and driven girl that anyone would cheer for. Carly had to work nonstop just to raise money for her family, and it really pulled my emotions into the story.
     Arden's story also pulled at my heart strings. Arden was trying to deal with what happened to his sister, and he slowly started opening up about it. That wasn’t the only thing about Arden that sparked my interest. He was also likeable, funny, and awkward. It was hard not to like him.  He is the kind of character that had a magnetism about him from the very start, and you just want to know more about him. Him and Carly were polar opposites and that's what made this book so fun and interesting. Plus, when he said "Do I have you like you have me?" I swear my heart melted.
     Then there was Sheriff Moss, who I hated with a fiery passion. A character as sinister and underhanded as him was easy to hate. But his character was important because he showed that sometimes, people in positions of power can let it go to their head and corrupt them. He was an interesting and complex character....to bad I didn't like him.
     The plot of this book was another plus for me. We get to see both sides of how two different people live and it's really interesting and true. Joyride is also about how unfair life can be. Carly was running herself ragged day and night to make ends meet and sometimes not even that, and then Arden was letting his grades go down the toilet and going out at night pulling pranks. Of course, this book was also about the fact that no one is ever without trouble, tragedy, or issues and it's nice to see a book acknowledging that. There are so many surprises and shocking events that happen in this book that I just had to set the book down and think about what happened. I loved how Joyride wasn’t just about normal teenage problems; it was about the unique problems that some teens like Carly have to go through. It was about striving to provide for your family, being under the thumb of dirty cops, and dealing with the rest of the world working against you.
     Joyride allowed us to look into the lives of a semi-normal American and a semi-normal Mexican-American and the struggles that they had to go through separately and together. This was the kind of book that appeared to be a light and fluffy read, but once you got into it more, you began to realize that the book wasn’t so light and fluffy. With Joyride, the book you started with seems completely different from the one you ended with because the events that occurred in the book changed not only the character’s tone and attitude, but yours as well. I wish I could explain how great this book and its plot is, but you just have to read it for yourself.
     Also, the romance in this book will melt your heart. Arden was the kind of guy that protected those he loved and Carly was the kind of girl that loved with all her heart and did what she could to help those she loved. The little scenes between them where they opened up about their feelings kept me going in this book and their chemistry was great. Plus, the pranks were hilarious.
     I love books that make me laugh, make my heart melt, make me angry, and change my view on certain things and this book definitely did that. I give Joyride five out of five stars.

 

10/30/15

Pirate Princess by Catherine Banks Review!


As the daughter of the Pirate King, Tilia Swanson has an unusual upbringing learning skills that aren’t often available for women. As the heir apparent for the Kingdom of Crilan, her skills set her apart as she is trained by the best in the land and taught to harness her magic. However, piracy is in her blood, and draws danger to Tilia in the way that treasure draws pirates. Some treasures are more valuable than others. Will this lesson be learned in time or will the betrayal of those around her be her undoing?
This is the first book in a new YA Fantasy trilogy.
 
     A pirate princess with deadly skills with a dagger, rival pirates, dashing pirate captains, and life threatening adventures. What could go wrong?
     I was so excited when Catherine asked me to review her book, Pirate Princess for her because I love her books. For this book, the title instantly had my attention, as well as the cover. I usually don't like covers with faces on them, but with the sword and ship on the cover too it all comes together to create a mysterious atmosphere that screams a fun adventure. THERE WAS ALSO A MAP. I love bookish maps, and when a book has a map in the beginning of it, a fun and exciting journey is bound to be in store.
     I was hooked onto this story from the first paragraph, no lie. I immediately dove into Tilia's world, and there was no looking back after that. Just from the first chapter I became emotionally invested in Tilia, and her father, the king of pirates, due to their heartfelt farewell in the beginning. I wanted to know what would happen to Tilia and how she would fair with her aunt, the queen of Crilan. I have to say that the women in this novel were BADASS. The queen herself was a firecracker, a master swordsman, a powerful Mage, and she readily charged into battle along with her husband and the rest of the soldiers. Women were seen as equal in this novel, which is rare for the era it was set in, and I freaking loved it. I also loved Talia's character.
     I loved how fiery and quick-witted she was. Talia was a character that made me laugh a lot as the story went on. She was also an amazing fighter. She didn’t take crap from anyone, and she scared most of the men around her, which I happened to love. She was full of surprises, and she was strong, which was obvious. However, she also had a soft side which wasn’t so obvious at first. I really loved getting to see things from her POV for sure. Honestly, all the characters in this book were amazing. They were fun, fiery, sarcastic, thoughtful, and so protective of Talia.
     Speaking of being protective, I loved how overprotective everyone was of Talia too even though she was more than capable of protecting herself. It was funny seeing her uncle and father get mad over possible suitors, and Finn, her pirate suitor, who had my heart doing all kinds of crazy things. Finn was the smoothest of all smooth talkers, and he had the confidence to back it up. He was a fierce pirate captain and he was protective of Talia as well. I loved how he and Talia interacted. Their first meeting was hilarious, and I knew then that together sparks would fly and they would take the kingdoms by storm, all the while stealing kisses and being awesome.
     And I was right to assume that they would take the kingdoms by storm. This book was FULL of action and fun adventures. I couldn't put it down because I was so engrossed in it, and I would have finished it in a day, but I had to sleep. This was the kind of book that you lose yourself in. I entered the world of Crilan, Pirates, magic, kingdoms, badass women, and fight scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat. We got to see Talia explore the ocean with Finn, fight angry pirates and kings, protect those she loved, and sacrifice everything to save them. This is a book that will satisfy everyone who loves a story that can captivate you and hold onto your attention until long after you've finished it.
     I cannot express to you how much I loved this book to be honest. Pirate Princess had everything I love a book to have in it. It had a badass heroine who frightened most people with her skills, a protective family that was hilarious and crazy all at one, a pirate father who instilled fear into everyone with just his name, a jealous pirate captain who threatened everyone who touched what was his, and adventures that kept my attention locked onto every page of the book. If THAT doesn't prompt you to read this book then I don't know what will. HOWEVER, I will mention that my fellow Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas fans will freaking adore this book. Talia and Aelin are so similar in attitude and demeanor that they would definitely be best friends if they ever met in real life. So there is that. Basically, this is the kind of book where I will get multiple copies of it just because I love it so much, and I've only done that with The Fault in Our Stars and Sarah J. Maas' books so you KNOW it's good.
      I've read Cathrine's Artemis Lupine series and her other novel, Daughter of Lions, and loved them all, and Pirate Princess was no different! I give it five out of five stars and a place on my favorites list!

Be sure to pre-order Pirate Princess if you are looking for an adventure that never ends so that you can experience pirates and badass women on November 2nd!

Preorder links:


Check out Catherine’s social media accounts, website, and blog! She is a fun author to follow.

10/9/15

Truly, Madly, Famously ( Famous In Love #2) by Rebecca Serle Review!



In this romantic sequel to Famous in Love, new Hollywood "It Girl" Paige must navigate love with her co-stars, both on and off screen and all in the public eye.
Lights, camera, love!
After being plucked from obscurity, Hollywood's newest starlet, Paige Townsen, has a hit film to her name and Rainer Devon on her arm. But being half of the world's most famous couple comes with a price, and soon Paige finds herself dodging photographers; hiding her feelings for her other costar, Jordan Wilder; and navigating tabloid scandals that threaten to tear her and Rainer apart-and end her career as quickly as it began.
Rebecca Serle's sequel to Famous in Love is filled with the kind of celebrity drama and swoon-worthy romance fit for the silver screen.

            First of all, I want to thank Little Brown and Company and PMK˚BMC for sending me Truly, Madly, Famously for review. I adored Famous In Love, the first book in this series, and I was so happy to be asked to review the second book! If you want to read my review of Famous In Love then follow this link Famous in Love Review.
            Anyway, I read Famous In Love as soon as it came out a year ago, and although I didn't have the chance to reread it, as soon as I started reading Truly, Madly, Famously it was like no time had passed at all. The beginning of the novel easily slipped back into Paige's story and it was easy to pick up where it had left off.
            I talked about how much I liked Paige's character in my review of Famous in Love, and my love for her only grew stronger! In this book, she struggled with the weight of the world constantly watching her every move, and I wanted to hug her throughout the whole book because she needed it. However, in this book, she gets even stronger and more resolved in her dedication to acting, and it was an emotional ride for sure. She also struggled with her relationship between Rainer and Jordan, and that had my heart hurting a LOT. Their love triangle was brutal and an emotional rollercoaster ride. Sometimes I didn't even know which way was up. There were quite a few moments that my heart ached and I got teary eyed because her relationship between them was heartbreaking and frustrating. Madly, Truly, Famously definitely did NOT lack in emotional scenes and an interesting plot. In the end, Paige did what was best for her, and I can't tell you how happy I was about it. I may have squealed. Don't judge me.
            Along with the emotional side of Paige's story, I also enjoyed the little life lessons that Serle threw into the book. As Paige struggled with her fame, she felt like she was losing herself and forgetting who she was. Then a friend of hers in the story tells her that she needs to stop worrying about what's going to happen in the future and think about the present. There was some great advice given in Truly, Madly, Famously that you wouldn't expect to find in a fictional novel, but fiction can teach lessons and give advice just like any other book. I have to say that some of the advice given to Paige in the book really hit home with me and made me think about my own life. Its books like these that broaden my views on life and give me a different perspective. That's one reason I love this book so much.
            I really loved this book. So much so that I stayed up until 2 AM reading it. I was so fascinated by Paige's journey and how her relationships would play out that I couldn't stop reading. It also didn't hurt that I got to see more behind the scenes of actors and actresses lives and how their fame changes how they live. That's what makes this book so special! Truly, Madly, Famously was full of emotion, drama, big decisions, and energy that pushed me to keep turning page after page to find out where Paige would end up. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a drama filled book with love triangles, shocking surprises, and love so sweet that you can't help but say "awh". I give Truly, Madly, Famously five out of five stars!

Be sure to get your copy of Truly, Madly, Famously on October 13th  when it is released!

P.S. If you haven't read the first book, Famous In Love, check out my review of it here, Review, and see if you would want to read it!